Yes. Multiple research studies performed and reviewed as recently as 2025 show school mergers produce negative consequences for student performance, student motivation, student discipline, community stability, and community economic health; all without improving school finances.

In May 2025, Education in Action, in conjunction with the TCU College of Education, produced a brief that reviewed more than 20 studies on the consequences of school closures and consolidations. The brief, titled School District Rightsizing (1), is five pages of text quoting research on school consolidation. Below are a few selections from that brief.

“Research on school closures shows mixed effects on student performance. In many cases, closing a school disrupts learning in the short term and can lead to drops in achievement, especially if students must change schools mid-year (Eddins, Pehrson, and Burgess, 2024). Research For Action found that students from closed schools had slower academic growth than similar students whose low-performing schools stayed open.” (p 2)

“A study on Texas students found that school closures led to immediate disruptions in learning. While the drop in math and reading scores may seem small at first glance, it took students up to four years to recover academically (Kim, 2024). The same study also reported a 15% increase in disciplinary actions, along with a rise in suspensions and expulsions. These disruptions can have lasting effects: students” (p 3)

“The impacts of school closures extend beyond the classroom, disrupting families, neighborhoods, and local economies. The loss of a school can weaken community cohesion, decrease civic engagement, and even contribute to economic instability (Eddins, Pehrson, and Burgess, 2024). Beyond community impact, school closures disrupt students’ academic and social stability. Relocated students often face longer commutes, increased absenteeism, and difficulty adjusting to new learning environments (Steinberg & MacDonald, 2019).” (p 4)

“Receiving schools may struggle with overcrowding and resource strain, which can negatively impact both displaced and existing students (Steinberg & MacDonald, 2019). Increased transportation costs, facility upgrades at receiving schools, and unexpected administrative expenses can offset financial benefits (Connecticut School Finance Project, 2019). In rural areas, school consolidations have also been associated with declining property values, further affecting local economies (Smith & Zimmer, 2022).” (p 4)

“The meager savings that school closures may yield are often offset by hidden costs, including increased transportation expenses, facility upgrades at receiving schools, and maintenance of vacant buildings (Connecticut School Finance Project, 2019; Samuels, 2011). Large-scale closures can also accelerate enrollment declines as families seek alternative education options, such as homeschooling or private schools, further straining district finances (Ellerson & McCord, 2009).” (p 5)

“School closures can lead to reduced neighborhood property values, particularly in lower-income and rural areas (Smith, 2025). As a result, they can negatively impact the financial well-being of the families they are intended to help, further limiting the opportunities of students.” (p 5)

The Canajoharie Middle School and the Fort Plain High School are slated to be closed if there is a school merger. No doubt one of the two elementary schools will follow. The question is simple. Are the above documented consequences of school consolidation what we want for our students and our communities?